Up Front Finding Fame
Courtney McCann By Breanna Fields
I
t’s not every day that you get to be featured in a music video for one of country music’s legendary artists. But Bakersfield’s Courtney McCann has had the chance of a lifetime to do just that, along with a list of other opportunities presented throughout her career as a model. Recently, McCann played Kenny Chesney’s ex-love interest in his
music video, “Come Over.” The chance to work with Chesney occurred when her casting agency booked the gig after an audition. “Working with Kenny was a blast,” said McCann. “We worked with the same crew (who have done work) for most of his videos, so they are like a tight family of friends, which allows for a fun working environment.” During her junior year at Stockdale High School, McCann flew to New York where she was approached several times by model scouts. After returning home, her mother discovered Extraordinaire Models and Talent, a local talent scout company, and McCann’s plan to start modeling was put into action. The following summer, McCann went to New York City to attend the International Models and Talent convention and was introduced to international agents. The opportunity to travel abroad came in 2003, when McCann traveled to Germany. This trip was just one of many international locations that she visited, others were Paris, Milan, Jamaica, Hawaii, Montreal and Vancouver. In the United States, she has spent time modeling in Seattle, New York, LA and Texas. “After being in Germany, I realized I was not prepared for the harsh realities of the industry. I became homesick and too focused and anxious about my appearance; I basically had no self confidence,” said McCann. The turning point in her career was when she made the decision to put modeling on hold to pursue her education at Bakersfield College.
Photo courtesy of Courtney McCann
In 2006, McCann received a phone call from Voloney White of Extraordinaire Models and Talent, and was invited to do a model showcase in Paris for a month. After her trip for the fall show season, she once again decided to focus on her studies. In January 2007, she transferred to Sonoma State University for a semester until she learned that her father had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. This prompted her return back home where she earned her bachelor’s degree
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Bakersfield Life
November 2012